The Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly began on Monday in Lucknow, with tight security measures in place. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak criticized the opposition for disrupting the House. He accused them of wasting time and said, “The opposition is only trying to waste the time of the House. The people of the state are not going to spare them.”
Pathak’s Focus on Development
Pathak emphasized that the government’s priority is development and law and order. He announced that the supplementary budget for the state’s development would be presented on Tuesday. “Today is the first day of the Vidhan Sabha. Tomorrow, we will present a supplementary budget for the state’s development, and there will be discussions on it,” Pathak said.
Nishad Targets Congress and SP
Minister Sanjay Kumar Nishad also criticized Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP). He accused them of favoring a select group of people. “There was a temple that was shut for 40 years during the Samajwadi Party and Congress’ term. They should answer whether their party is made only for a specific section or everyone,” Nishad stated.
He reminded that the Vidhan Sabha exists for the public. “Vidhan Sabha is for the public, and the supplementary budget is being brought for their benefit,” he added.
Congress MLA Challenges the Government
Congress MLA Aradhana Misra Mona questioned why the government, despite its full majority, is avoiding discussions. She said, “The age of the government is increasing, and their time is reducing. Why is the government with a full majority scared to have a discussion?”
She also mentioned issues like healthcare, employment, law and order, and inflation, urging the government to address these topics.
Budget Details and Session Schedule
On the first day of the session, a formal business session took place. The supplementary budget, expected to range between ₹12,000 crore and ₹15,000 crore, will be presented on December 17. Discussions and passage of the budget are set for December 18. Legislative work will continue on December 19 and 20, with the session ending on December 20.
The supplementary budget aims to fund developmental projects across the state. Despite opposition protests, the government remains focused on progress and public welfare.